News, current affairs, sport and light entertainment and variety programs accounted for almost three-quarters ($986 million) of total television production costs ($1,366 million) in 2006-07, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Television, film and video production activity

At 22,200 hours, sport accounted for the highest number of first release broadcast hours during 2006-07, followed by news and current affairs (20,600 hours).

Feature films accounted for just over two-thirds (67%) of total costs ($273 million) for productions made other than for television.

Post-production businesses

Generated $444 million in income during 2006-07, with more than half of this from visual editing services (58%).

Employed 2,970 people. More than half (55%) were permanent full-time employees, and more than two-thirds (69%) were male.

Commercial television broadcasting

Collectively, commercial free-to-air and subscription television broadcasters generated $6,813 million in income during 2006-07 and employed 10,032 people.

Commercial free-to-air television broadcasters earned the majority of their income from the sale of air time ($3,611 million); the main source of income for subscription television broadcasters was subscription fees ($1,975 million).

Media Note: This publication contains information about three distinct topics: (1) Television, film and video production activity; (2) Film and Video Production and Post-Production services, and (3) Commercial television broadcasting. Each topic should be reported in isolation.